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By Guy Smith The Lexington County Peach Festival, a beloved Fourth of July tradition, was established by the Gilbert Community Club in 1958. Every year since (with the exception of a brief pause during the COVID pandemic), crowds have flocked to the town of Gilbert to celebrate one of nature’s sweetest gifts: thepeach. Joined in a common purpose, Gilbert residents and visitors also come together on this day to commemorate our nation’s birthday and emphasize the power of a close-knit community.This year’s festival promises to be especially sweet because the Community Club and local residents overcame a few obstacles to…
By Jennifer Ritchie Lifelong Lexington resident, Willie Wingard, was deeply devoted to her neighbors, appreciated the beautiful surroundings of the natural world, and exhibited such a compassionate spirit that one of her final acts of kindness to her community was monumental, generous, and inclusive. This is how andwhy Wingard Park was conceived and established. As a direct result of “Miss Willie’s” dynamic vision and philanthropy, people of all ages will enjoy her legacy of benevolence for generations to come. Theevidence of this can be heard in the sweet and innocent laughter of unrestrained joy that emanates every day from the…
By Julia Bell Even when everything is in good shape and working well, owning a home can be expensive, and failing to properly maintain a house, which is likely a homeowner’s greatest financial investment, often leads to unexpected debt. A homeowner can save money in the long run by avoiding pricey emergency repairs and maximizing energy efficiency. To stay a step ahead, educate yourself on what should be checked regularly and learn how to maintain those essential components. While the list below is not exhaustive, these are universally recommended tips that homeowners can initiate to optimize appliances andmaintain the structural…
From the Road to the Water By Kristi Antley Mobile food outlets have revolutionized the traditional American takeout experience. As an emerging amenity, these eclectic eats promote community while providing the convenience and satisfaction of fine cuisine or everyday comfort food—on the go. So, the next time you are hankering for a full, heavy meal or a light, delicate treat, track down these amazing portable kitchens through your favorite social media outlets. Alsies Ice CreamMelissa Schramm and her husband, Justin, are United States Air Force veterans who discovered the pleasure of running a food truck and serving others together. “We…
Ready, Set, Go! By Heather Long With summer coming to a close and school quickly approaching, you may be low-key panicking about the best way to get your kids ready to return to the classroom. Have no fear! The practical tips below combine the insights of Cathy Ivey, a retired teacher with 25 years of experience, along with my own experiences as a mom of rising middle school students, so you can be confident that your familywill be equipped for the days ahead. Tip #1 – Prepare your children emotionally In the weeks before school begins, you can help createexcitement…
All In and All About Others By Marilyn Thomas “Giving back and staying actively involved in the community has always been something I value deeply, both personally and professionally,” asserts Nicholle Burroughs, Irmo’s current deputy town administrator. According to Burroughs, her evolution into community-centric work was an “organic process” that began when she started volunteering during high school. Those early experiences helped her to understand that “becoming the change” is an individual’s responsibility and one must be an active participant in every endeavor. Eventually, Burroughs chose to work in local government because of its complex layers, wide-ranging opportunities, and potential…
Fire Up the Flavor on the GrillAs the temperatures rise, no one wants to be stuck inside, cooking in a hot kitchen! So, get the grills ready to go and try out some new recipes—like the ones below. Make it an even more fun and festive occasion by inviting over some friends or family to sample this fabulous fare together. Honey Soy Pineapple ChickenINGREDIENTS:1/2 c. pineapple juice1/4 c. soy sauce3 Tbsp. honey3 garlic cloves, minced2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into thick slicesDIRECTIONS:Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic,…
By Scott Vaughan According to the “scouting report” on fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, it wasrumored that she loved sports. But more importantly, her favorite subjectwas art, and I won the lottery by being in her class. That was the year welearned to use crayons (without coloring books) to create our own artworkand to write our own chapter books. As Veterans Day approached, Mrs. Smith molded our class into a choir, and once aweek, we went to the school cafeteria to practice patriotic songs. Mrs. Smith, our accompanist, was thrilled as we sang “You’re A Grand Old Flag,” “I’m a Yankee…
Still Becoming By Algrish Williams I have stood in places where stepping outside your home could cost you your life, and I have stood here in America, where opportunity begins the moment you decide to pursue it. As the United States approaches its 250th year of independence, we are reminded that this nation’s story has never belonged to one group alone. It has been shaped by generations of individuals, many from distant lands, who believed in the promise of something greater. I am one of those individuals. I came to America to build a better life for myself and my…
By Tracy Tuten Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes a season filled with celebrations, community events, family gatherings, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything that makes our hometowns special. Here at Our Town Magazine, we’ve been hard at work bringing you stories that inspire, inform, and showcase the people and places that make our communities such wonderful places to live. This edition begins with a celebration of Independence Day and a look at the spirit of patriotism that continues to unite Americans across generations. This year is particularly significant as our nation celebrates its 250th birthday.…